Im giving this a try !

what i would do if it's not in the database is google search "calories burned pilates" and find out through a calculator how many calories you burned. then, you can create your own exercise, type in a description, and the number of calories. it'll be in there for you in the future under "my exercises". hope that helps!

http://www.sparkrecipes.com/

I just found this website with healthy recipes, I haven't tried them yet, but they sound good.

Awesome website! Thanks for the tip. It even has a calorie calculator for my own recipes!

You recognize that there is a need to improve your lifestyle PLUS you are already making healthier decisions - these are commendable first steps (and for some people, they're the hardest!)

I was successful with Weight Watchers back in 2003, as I had learned about portion sizes. However, even though I had lost close to 40lbs, I still didn't feel like I was eating very healthy. Let's face it - a person can eat 25 points worth a day of chocolate...doesn't mean they're eating healthy. So that was one aspect of the program that I didn't like - I needed more of a guide to help me make healthier decisions.

I went to see a dietician and she designed a plan for me based on X amount of exercise each week, my age, weight, etc. It's similar to the plans that diabetics follow and is VERY close to the national food guide recommendations. Not only does it outline what I should be eating (protein, grains, veggies, fruits, dairy, healthy fats, etc.), what amounts I should be eating (1 cup, 1 oz, 1 tbsp, etc.) and at what time of day I should be eating them (3 meals and 3 snacks evenly space throughout the day) it also has a great chart showing different examples of foods to choose (one side is healthiest choices and the other side are foods to choose less often).

It cost me $100 to meet with her for the initial consult and then $40 every month after that. Best move I ever made.

I also talked to a personal trainer. He did a kinetic chain assessment on me (to make sure all my parts and pieces were working properly and in alignment with one another :laugh: ) and designed a workout program for me. Unfortunately, a lot of the exercises require machines and I can't always get to the gym everyday, thanks to an unsupportive husband. So I adapted similar exercises that I can perform from home.

I was just like you - didn't know what to eat and had a hard time getting my butt to the gym but worked really hard once I got there. When I was younger, I had a friend that was "skinny" and she was my workout pal. We did our own thing once we were there, but we drove together - that way, neither of us flaked out.

Don't get discouraged. You have the desire to change and with a bit of effort you will see the pounds drop. Stay positive - don't let that number on the scale bother you...just remember that it will only go down from this day on!

Also, a turning point for me this time around (I have been trying to get back on track for months and have only seemed to really "get it" in the last few days) was when I changed my internet home page to MFP profile. Everytime I get on the computer to check e-mails, etc......BAM! There is my calorie count for the day. Really keeps me in check!

If you're interested, my friend and his wife are part of a Health & Fitness Alliance with me. They lived hundreds of miles away but we communicate through e-mail everyday. We share our foods with each other and give each other feedback/advice, etc. We also set weekly food challenges for each other (ie. eat all of your veggies or get enough milk servings, etc.) as well as an exercise challenge (ie. do 100 pushups by next weigh in or go for a 20 min walk 3 times this week, etc.). Every week the challenges change and get a bit harder as we get stronger and healthier. But checking in with them everyday really helps!

Good luck!

Hello and welcome to MFP. This site is awesome, you will love it here if you don't already. I it here. This site is so supportive, helpful, motivational, easy to use, and everyone here is so nice and friendly. I just wanted to tell you that I wish that you have great success on your weight loss journey. You can do this!!!!!! :flowerforyou:

Don't "think" you can - "KNOW" you can!! Look at that ticker progress - you are well on your way :flowerforyou:

Wooo! That stir fry sounds YUMmmy!
Good job....... see, eating healthy is FUN.

Try using brown rice too...... healthier than white :bigsmile:

sorry, I messed up my last reply!! Anyway, if you have cable see if you have the fitness channel. I used my dvr and recorded differnt yoga workouts. I love them cuz its lots of stretching(its feels great)and nothing that gets you all out of breath!!:happy: :happy: